The Land of Enchantment

"Elsewhere the land has the sky for its ceiling, 
but here in New Mexico the sky has the land for its floor."
— Willa Cather

Bandeliar Glow 7 x 7 - gouache on paper

Exploring New Mexico in Paint


Growing up in Pennsylvania, I remember my father telling me that his great-great-grandmother was Native American, from the Nanticoke tribe in Maryland. Ever since then, I’ve felt a deep fascination with and a love for learning about Native American culture.

New Mexico offers an abundance of history to explore. The painting shown above was created in Bandelier National Monument, where Ancestral Puebloans built their homes beneath stunning cliffs formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago. Today, you can still climb wooden ladders to enter the "cavates"— cliff dwellings carved into the rock—that rise high above the pueblo ruins.



Above: Bandelair Glow (Bandelair National Monument) - 7x7 - Gouache

Below: Mysterious Morning (Pecos National Monument) - 12x16 - oil

Adding Figures workshop in April

Each April, I teach a four day workshop on adding figures to your paintings. It's always great fun with live models the first day. You can see my demonstration paintings here.


My next Figurative workshop will be in April of 2027.


"Salmagundi Roaring 20's" - 18"x14"" oil on panel


BELOW:

European Vacation - 9x12

Conversations on Art - 9x12

Evening Walk - 11x14

NEW Beginners

Workshop

AUGUST 20 & 21 (2 days)



This is a beginners class. No experience needed.

Painting Basics

(Indoors at my Santa Fe studio)

Have you always wanted to pick up a brush but didn't know where to start? This class is designed specifically for beginners—no prior experience is needed!


What to Expect:

  • Intimate Setting: Small group sessions with a maximum of 8 students to ensure plenty of personal attention.
  • Day 1: We’ll start by painting a simple, colorful fruit.
  • Day 2: We’ll dive into painting a vibrant sunflower freshly picked from my garden.
  • Step-by-Step Guidance: I’ll walk you through every technique, from mixing colors to making your first marks.
  • Table easels will be provided for your use in the studio



The Experience: We kick things off Friday evening with a relaxed meet-and-greet where you can get to know your fellow artists and set up your painting station. It’s going to be a lot of fun, and you’ll head home with two completed paintings!


Supplies:
A simple, basic supply list will be provided upon registration.


Ready to start your creative journey?

Visit the link below:

Beginners Class

2026 New York Workshop

HUDSON RIVER VALLEY
May 27-31, 2026


Palette Knife Tcchniques

There are a few spaces open in the workshop.

This is a great class if you are not comfortable with a knife.


artworkshops.com/palette-knife-techniques

Hudson River Valley Art Workshops

May 27-31, 2026

Near Albany, NY

Artworkshops.com/workshop/palette-knife-byrne


SOLD OUT - MODERN IMPRESSIONIST MAGAZINE

FRENCH WORKSHOP/RETREAT

June 20-27, 2026

Modernimpressionistmag.com/workshop-2026/


ANNOUNCING- NEW

A Beginer's Painting Workshop
In my studio in Santa Fe

August 20-21 2026

Over the years many of you have asked if I teach a beginners class, so after many years, I decided to make it happen.

This will be a two day class indoors with a Friday evening meet and greet. I'll supply the easels.

If you'll be traveling to Santa Fe, I can email you a list of places to stay.

Beginners Class



Plein Air Painting in Santa Fe, NM

October 1-4, 2026

4 Days - Outdoors/Plein Air

Michele Byrne Studio

Join me to paint in my favorite locations around town and beyond

Michelebyrne.com/workshop//plein-air


michelebyrne.com/workshops


Please email with any questions:

michele@michelebyrne.com

THANK YOU!

Bless you all and please keep in touch.

Sending all my LOVE & Peace!


Michele

michelebyrne.com/

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